http://www.investegate.co.uk/Article.aspx?id=200708240703457553C
Some good news.
Meridian Petroleum PLC 24 August 2007
MERIDIAN PETROLEUM PLC
('Meridian' or the 'Company')
Production Update
Meridian Petroleum (AIM: MRP), the independent oil and gas exploration and
production company with key assets in the USA and Australia announces a
production update.
Key Points
- Orion 36 (75% Net Revenue Interest (NRI)) latest projected production rate -
over 5 mmcfd from next week
- Calvin 36-1 (68.75% NRI) production steady at around 50 mcfd - further action
required
- Victory 1-21 (10% NRI) production during June/July showed a 65% increase on
May at 130 mcfd
- Milford 36 (29% NRI) Extended production test to commence now Orion 36 is
online
Orion
Following the commencement of production on August 15, the extensive testing of
the system with live gas and the final arrangements for commercial sales to CMS
have been completed, as follows:
- All lines have been pressure tested with no leaks or problems
- Major plant and equipment, including the refrigeration unit, are all
operating effectively
- The interconnect line with CMS has been blown clear with nitrogen with no
issues encountered
- The bottom hole pressure bomb has been dropped and testing is underway
- Minor problems associated with metering and electrical communications were
encountered but have now been resolved
Commercial sales to CMS are planned to commence today, slightly later than
expected, but with the extra data now available and the success of the live gas
testing programme, the Company now expects those sales to be greater than
anticipated, with production building up over the weekend to in excess of 5
mmcfd next week.
At this rate of gas production, the Company also expects to benefit from
combined liquid output of NGL's and Condensates of some 50 bbls/day. These
liquids will sell for some 80 -100% of the West Texas Intermediate oil price.
Calvin
The 36-1 well has not yet responded to further treatment and production is
steady at around 50 mcfd. Further action will be required in the coming weeks
and the Company is currently reviewing the options to improve output.
Victory 1-21
Ominex, the operator of Victory 1-21 has reported improved performance from the
well in recent weeks. Average production in June/July was over 130 mcfd which
was a substantial improvement on the 80 mcfd averaged in May.
Milford 36
As previously announced, the Milford 36 well will now be put on extended test to
evaluate both the gas and oil production potential.
Further Updates
The Company will announce its 2007 Interim Results on 6 September and will
provide a further update on both production and plans for the Company's other
assets in the USA and Australia.
Stephen Gutteridge, Chairman said: 'Our work over the past week to complete the
testing on the Orion facility has gone well, and commercial sales are now
projected to be better than our initial expectations. We are now producing from
3 assets with a fourth going onto extended test shortly. We are now looking
forward to building up our experience as a US gas producer, and the next stage
in our development is to prioritise the best opportunities within our portfolio
of assets for reinvestment of the cash generated by this production.'
John Randell, who works for Wellmaster, Inc., is an independent contractor who
meets the criteria of a qualified person under the AIM guidance note for mining,
oil and gas companies, has reviewed and approved the technical information
contained in this announcement with respect to Orion.